Pending blockbuster trade between Leafs and Rangers?

For the past few weeks, pundits have been focusing on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ health issues on the blue line and ways to remedy the situation ahead of the trade deadline. However, do not go thinking that they’ve forgotten about improving their situation in between the pipes… 

James Mirtle of The Athletic seems to believe the Leafs could have the amazing opportunity to land a promising starting goalie in Alexandar Georgiev of the New York Rangers. 

Yes, the Georgiev who’s been ruling in net in the Big Apple and would command a hefty return to be moved ahead of the trade deadline. 

“To date, the Rangers’ asking price has been high. They want a quality young player who can play now, not a pick or a prospect, for the young Russian netminder.

The result is a bit of a stalemate, as the Leafs (and other suitors) haven’t been willing to meet that price for a goalie who has only started 60 NHL games.”

The Leafs are said to be willing to part with futures – including someone like AHLer Jeremy Bracco, but the Rangers are after more established forwards like Kasperi Kapanen, Andreas Johnsson or Alexander Kerfoot.

And would that be enough? 

For Toronto, it could end up being too much. The Leafs are said to be thinking of using a forward to get a return on the back end, but this sure sounds like quite a blockbuster to make this season. 

However, Mirtle believes it could pay off in the long run. 

“Where adding Georgiev makes the most sense is as insurance for the future. The Leafs badly need an upgrade at the backup position next season and could also use an alternate option to giving Andersen a massive contract when he becomes a free agent at the end of 2020-21.”

It remains to be seen if Georgiev will be moved - and if he is - you better believe it will be quite the blockbuster of the 2020 deadline.